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Detroit,
MI - Local smallmouth guru, Steve Clapper dismantled the FLW pro field at last year’s Detroit River event. Invited to fish with the full-time pros, Clapper took home $200,000.00 on Lake Erie back in ’07. Clapper and a host of other local talent will be on hand this year as the Wal-Mart FLW Tour stops in Trenton, MI for the final event of the 2008 season.
Blast From the Past
In 2007, Steve Clapper braved the big water of Lake Erie and brought in four limits that pushed over the
20 pound mark to run away with the win. His final two day weight of 45-09 was six pounds better than his closest competitor.
Prior to the ’07 event, Jay Yelas predicted he would need around 34 pounds to finish 25th and secure the AOY title. Amazingly, the Skeeter pro finished in the 25th spot with a two day total of 34 pounds even to win the Land O Lakes Angler of the Year Title.
Right to the Point
Andy Morgan will launch his boat on Thursday as the leader in AOY points with a 22 point margin over Glenn Browne. If Andy can keep pace with Browne –finishing within 22 places of the Florida angler—and keep the lurking Luke Clausen within 46 spots, the Tall Tennessean will capture could capture his first Land O Lakes AOY title. With 200 available to the winner, 20 pros have a statistical chance at the trophy.
Also, on the line this week are 40 berths into the 2008 Forrest Wood Cup to be held on Lake Murray starting August 14th. With 11 of the top 50 pros having pre-qualified for the event, Scott Suggs, the 2007 Forrest Wood Cup Champion, will enter the Detroit River event in the last qualifying position.
Hometown Heroes
The home field advantage, which seems to play a roll in any bass tournament, will stay with Lake Erie standout, Steve Clapper. However, with nearly 30 anglers residing within casting distance of the big water, six of whom have tasted victory on Erie before, the 10,370 square miles of water that make up this weeks arena may not play favorites.
As the 200 pros leave Elizabeth Park Marina on Thursday, their first decision will be which way to go. Take a left and head north to less volatile waters of Lake St. Claire or turn right and gamble on a big payday from Lake Erie. Historically, Erie has produced the winning weights while St. Claire can be counted on for consistent, although smaller, limits. The weather, forecasted for calm and mild with a slight chance of storms on Saturday, is likely to play the major role in which direction the competitors point their boats. However, with the AOY title and other point’s related benefits on the line, strategies may be based on more than just which way the wind blows.
As registration end and the anglers made their final preparations for tournament day, the BASS ZONE caught up with some of the contenders to find out their thoughts:
Steve Clapper
Clapper is undoubtedly the favorite this week, but by his own admission, things are tough -- “I really had a tough practice. It was so tough that I even spent some time on St. Claire. We had kind of a funny spring and the fish haven’t moved out yet. I’ll spend my time on Erie with the hope that this warm weather will bring the fish to me. The guys fishing St. Claire have a chance this week. It is not uncommon to see 20+ pound stringers come out there. The numbers are definitely there. I’m going to need to cover a lot of water to do well so the weather is important.”
Greg Pugh
Pugh finished 39th last year with a two day total of 32-08 – “The fishing is tougher this year than it was last. The bass aren’t grouped up yet, but I’m still catching decent limits. I think I can bring in around 32 pounds again and maybe push the 36 pound mark. I think that will be the cut off again this year. I think more guys will stick around and fish St. Claire. With the current in the river, there is always a chance for a good kicker bite. It is not so much about making the top ten as it about beating these local guys.”
Art Ferguson, III
Ferguson is atop everyone’s fantasy team and the angler from St. Claire Shores is ready to go – “Compared to last year, the fishing is a lot different. The water is up and a little cooler than it was when we were here before. Although those are subtle differences, it affects what the fish are doing."
"I think some guys thought they could come here and do what worked last year and that is not what is going on. I need a limit of fish to make sure I make the championship. I will go out and spend the first hour making sure I get 30 points and after that the pressure is off and I can go look for big fish.”
Dan Morehead
Morehead is another angler that is safely within reach of the championship and will stay on Lake St. Claire – “They are fixing to catch the tar out of them. The spawn was a little later this year and fishing is different. I think it will take 19 pounds a day to make the top ten. There will be more guys stay on St. Claire this year, but it will probably be won out on Erie. The problem is you can’t compete with the locals when it comes to Lake Erie.”
Brandon Coulter
The Tennessee pro is hunting a berth in the Forrest L. Wood Cup –“I have spent all my time on St. Claire looking for 15 pounds a day. I’m in 44th and just want enough fish to stay in the cut for the championship."
"I definitely think the guys that are just fishing this event will have an impact on who goes to the championship and who doesn’t. As far winning here, they don’t have as big an advantage when the wind isn’t blowing. They are better at setting up on a spot in six foot waves than the regular tour guys.”
Vic Vatalaro
Vatalaro is a local that has notched three Stren wins on Lake Erie, but he will be headed north come tournament time. “I practiced out on Erie and couldn’t get anything going. I went to St. Claire and found a few fish. I like to fish deep and I couldn’t find them (fish) out deep on Erie."
"I did find a deep bite on St. Claire and that is where I will be fishing. It will still take about 36 pounds to make the cut. I predict 5 out of top 10 finishers will be guys that do not fish the FLW tour."
Shad Schenk
The Indiana pro finished fifth last year and will try to repeat his performance. “The fish aren’t biting as well, but they’re still biting There will be more guys go to St. Claire just trying to catch a limit, but I’m committed to fishing Erie no matter what. I think it will take 36 or 37 pounds to make the cut. Don’t let these guys fool you, the fish are still here.”
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